GOVERNOR Juan N. Babauta will again meet U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, this time to update him on CNMI labor and immigration issues.
Babauta said he will report “the progress” of the CNMI government in these areas.
“I have to meet with Senator Akaka to give him a report,” the governor said.
In particular, Babauta said he will report the local community’s acceptance of the proposed tiered-wage system.
Babauta said he may request Akaka, D-Hawaii, to introduce an enabling bill in the U.S. Congress.
“We will request him and somebody else from the U.S. House of Representatives will also do it,” he said.
The governor said he will assure the senator that his administration has carried out steps to ensure the maximum protection of the labor force, including the non-resident workers.
Babauta said he has talked individually with garment managers and other businesses to warn them about committing abuses against workers.
“I gave them notice. They know my position here. It’s clear to them that they will face the consequences if they violate or abuse their employees,” he said.
Under his administration, Babauta said, employees can trust that he “will exert all efforts to defend them.”
“I am their biggest advocate here,” he said.
During his meeting with Akaka, Babauta said he will report that the CNMI has also made significant improvements to make the commonwealth a friendly business destination.
He said the Department of Labor and Immigration has been addressing business concerns such as speedy permit processing, permit renewals and simpler immigration laws.
“We’re doing all the necessary reforms in labor and immigration,” he said.
Babauta, together with DOLI Secretary Joaquin A. Tenorio and Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio, will meet Akaka in Washington, D.C. later this month.
The governor last met Akaka in February.
